|
OFF SEASON INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 2001 |
City: Harrisonburg
State/Province: Virginia
Country: U.S.A
Team: K2 / New Sun
Email: k2newsun@hotmail.com
What do you do for cross training? (not cyclocross, but off the bike exercise)?
Strength conditioning for four months of the off season. This is very regimented and specifically designed for the rigors of the coming season. Trail running, hiking, and rock climbing are some other activities that I participated in especially in early winter. Now is crunch time though and I am training every day with no cross-training
Do you take time off the bike in the winter?
YES. Two weeks off the bike this year. I'm starting to believe it is essential. It's hard to race full time and not get burned out otherwise.
How do you avoid weight gain in the winter?
Slimfast. Ummmmm. I actually do love the stuff. I don't use it to loose weight. I think it's good nutrition for after rides. For me it's not a big deal to put on five pounds in the off season any more than that and your asking for trouble. I try to avoid eating when I'm not hungry and before going to bed. Around this time of year (Jan. Feb.) I really concentrate on eating health foods and reduce my fat intake considerably.
What month do you plan on coming into fitness for the 2001 season?
Hopefully I'll be on target for April.
What month do you start your pre-season training?
This year it was around late December for structured stuff.
How do you deal with riding in the winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, lack of daylight)?
I'm fortunate enough to be able to ride when I want. Daylight isn't an issue anymore. As far as cold goes I just bundle up and head for the mountains. Those slow technical trails happen to keep you warmer than you would expect. I don't even bother with road riding below 35 degrees.
What are your goals for the 2001 season?
Ahh...It's funny you should ask. These goals go through my mind ever day when
I'm training.
#1 Place in the top fifteen at the National Championship in Snowshoe West Virginia.
#2 Be in the top 20, in the National Championship Series.
#3 Win the Athens Twilight AMBC.
#4 Place top 20 at the National Championship race at Mt. Snow Vermont.
Is the "pro mountain bike racer" lifestyle as much fun as you thought it would be?
Yes. I love it. I'm really excited to start racing again. On the other hand. I live to race but racing to live is a lot harder than I thought. There are only 10 or so US riders that are making a decent living doing this . I thought the top half of the pros were making at least some salary, most don't. I consider myself lucky, pros on the west coast rarely even get prize money at races. Even if there where no money in it I would still do it. I love the life style of traveling and racing.